ALEXCIOUS

Whip up a storm with a FANtastic, eco-friendly, personal cooling system!!

The folding fan, invented in Japan sometime between the sixth and eighth centuries, endures as a symbol of the country. Deeply embedded in Japanese cultural life, and symbolizing friendship, respect and good wishes, it is one of the few traditional tools still widely used; indispensable during sweltering Japanese summers! Throughout Japanese history much importance has been attached to the materials and use of the fan. At times indicating social status, at others communicating love; metal versions have even been used as effective weapons!

The elegantly simple Hakuichi folding fan, though it makes a tasteful display piece, is designed to be used; surprising how effectively a few waves will cool and refresh. Constructed exclusively from locally sourced materials, each folding fan is individually handmade in Kanazawa, and exquisitely decorated by the renowned masters of gold and silver leafing at Hakuichi. Superbly crafted, the bamboo blades splay open in a way that conjures up the radiating sun's rays. The pleats are made of Japanese washi paper, hardened and waterproofed with a preservative treatment known as kakishibu (Derived from persimmon juice, it has been used since the Heian period (794-1185) as a hardening and strengthening agent). The ridges of the pleats are urushi lacquered for extra protection after being finished in choice of two color combinations; vibrant red one side, black the other, or dark navy one side, brown the other. The outermost bamboo ribs of the fan are firstly urushi lacquered in black, then intricately decorated with gold and silver leaf in four design choices. As each folding fan is supplied in box of paulownia wood (kiri), they make tasteful gifts bringing beauty and radiance to any home or office, not to mention wafts of cool air to users on hot days!